CBC/Radio-Canada announces return of Hockey Night in Canada in PWHL partnership

CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada is returning for a 90th season this fall after all.

But instead of six-plus months of NHL action, the longest-running sports program in the world will air eight prime time Professional Women’s Hockey League games on Saturday nights, the CBC announced Monday morning.

Beginning Dec. 5, with the defending Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire hosting Hamilton’s expansion team, HNIC will provide comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-game panel analysis and accompanying digital content on CBCSports.ca and social media.

On June 16, the CBC announced it would no longer broadcast NHL games after it and national rights-holder Rogers Sportsnet were unable to come to agreement on a new sublicensing deal.

Canada’s national public broadcaster retained the Hockey Night in Canada trademark should it wish to incorporate the brand into future coverage.

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“Our partnership with the PWHL opens a new chapter in sports history,” Chris Wilson, CBC’s executive director of Sports and Olympics, said. “We are proud to announce the return of the iconic Hockey Night in Canada brand, building on this beloved Canadian tradition with the PWHL’s growing fanbase and providing audiences across the country with free access to world-class hockey.”

The PWHL will launch its fourth season December 5, with a full schedule to be released on October 2. The league now boasts 12 teams after adding expansion teams in Detroit, Las Vegas, San Jose, and Hamilton for the upcoming season.

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Keeping with tradition, each HNIC game will feature a